I’m not sure there is all that much difference at the behavioral level between a utilitarian (who sometimes fails to act in accordance with his proclaimed values) and an egoist (who sometimes fails to notice that he could have ‘gotten away with it’).
I think your second heuristic is a good one, though I don’t personally know anyone who is so closed minded that they would be unable to undo the adoption of a moral system and the changed intuitions that came with it.
I think the more sophisticated versions of egoism and utilitarianism have a tendency to meet in the middle anyway.
Good egoists aren’t supposed to Prudently Predate (because of the effect it has on society—rather utilitarianish that).
Realistiic ultilitaians needn’t indulge in relentless self sacrifice.
I’m not sure there is all that much difference at the behavioral level between a utilitarian (who sometimes fails to act in accordance with his proclaimed values) and an egoist (who sometimes fails to notice that he could have ‘gotten away with it’).
I think your second heuristic is a good one, though I don’t personally know anyone who is so closed minded that they would be unable to undo the adoption of a moral system and the changed intuitions that came with it.
I think the more sophisticated versions of egoism and utilitarianism have a tendency to meet in the middle anyway. Good egoists aren’t supposed to Prudently Predate (because of the effect it has on society—rather utilitarianish that). Realistiic ultilitaians needn’t indulge in relentless self sacrifice.